May 2025 Archive: Four Practical Drug & Telehealth Updates

This month we published four focused pieces that matter to people making medical choices. You’ll find clear takeaways on Depakote safety, a head-to-head of ED telehealth services, how melphalan is used for a rare blood disorder, and current options when misoprostol isn’t right or available. Read the short summaries below to decide which full post you should open first.

Depakote: what to watch for

Depakote (valproate) treats seizures, bipolar disorder, and migraine prevention. It works well for many, but there are specific risks to plan around. Liver tests and blood counts should be checked before and during treatment. Women who can get pregnant need a frank conversation with their prescriber — valproate raises the risk of birth defects and developmental problems in babies. Expect side effects like weight gain, tremor, or drowsiness; if these interfere with daily life, ask about alternative meds or dose changes. If you already take other anticonvulsants or mood medicines, check for drug interactions.

Hims vs RexMD: pick the right ED telehealth

Shopping for an online ED service? Hims and RexMD both handle consultations and prescriptions, but they differ in approach. Hims is consumer-focused with extra wellness products and subscription options. RexMD positions itself as a streamlined telehealth clinic that can be fast for a single visit. Compare total cost — consultation fee plus the actual prescription, shipping, and follow-up care. Also confirm where each service operates; some companies have better support in the US, others extend to Australia. Privacy, refill policies, and how easily you can speak with a clinician after your visit are worth checking before you start.

Quick test before you sign up: can you get a same-day consult, is the medication brand specified, and do they require in-person follow-up for prescriptions you need long-term?

Melphalan for heavy chain disease

Heavy chain disease is rare and falls under plasma cell disorders. Melphalan is an older but still-used chemotherapy agent that can control disease by damaging cancer cell DNA. It can work when other options are limited, but it comes with predictable chemo risks — most importantly bone marrow suppression. That means regular blood tests, infection vigilance, and planning around fertility. If you or a loved one are considering melphalan, ask your hematologist about dosing schedules, supportive care (like growth factors), and whether a transplant or newer therapies might be appropriate.

Misoprostol alternatives in 2025

When misoprostol isn’t an option, there are medical and surgical alternatives depending on the need. For pregnancy-related care, some settings use mifepristone where regulations allow; in other cases, manual vacuum aspiration or surgical procedures are standard and effective. For labor induction, prostaglandin gels (dinoprostone) or oxytocin infusion remain common alternatives. Accessibility and law vary by country and clinic, so always check local guidance and confirm what follow-up care looks like.

Want to read the full posts? Each piece includes details, side effect lists, patient tips, and questions to bring to your provider. If something is urgent or medical, contact your clinician — these summaries are for quick orientation, not a substitute for personalized care.